Thunder Guard James Harden Wants to Stay in OKC

NBA via Oklahoma City Thunder(NEW YORK) — With the season Oklahoma City guard James Harden just had, he’s all but likely assured himself a big pay day when his contract is up, and Harden hopes it is with the Thunder.

Harden won the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Award after averaging 16.8 points and 3.7 assists per game off the bench. In his third season in the NBA, Harden set career highs in points, rebounds, assists, and field goal percentage this season.

Harden’s contract is up at the end of the 2012-2013 season and will be an attractive options for those teams who can afford him. Despite the interest he’ll receive on the market, he hopes he stays in Oklahoma City Thunder.

“This team is like a family,” Harden said. “Like, we’re really brothers. We hang out most of the time every single day. You won’t find any other team like this. I love it here.”

The Thunder already have long term contracts out to Kevin Durant along with Russell Westbrook. The Thunder must also have to deal with the contract of forward Serge Ibaka, who is a free agent after next summer as well.